A THRIFTY mum has revealed how she saves thousands on her food shop a year, simply by stockpiling her essential items.
Mum-of-two Zara uses a simple money-saving solution called “stockpiling budget”, a strategy which allows her to stock up on more expensive items while still saving a fortune.
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“I’m a brilliant stockpiler and money manager and my system means my weekly groceries (getting literally what I want when I want) is $150 (£83.53/US$116.71) a week for everything (meat, fresh stuff, groceries for a family of four),” she posted on the Budgeting, Food, Stockpiling, Savings Ideas, Life Help Australia Facebook page.
“If I was struggling and couldn’t afford much, I could get away with a $50 (£27.82/US$38.90) shop per week.”
Stock up when things are on special
Like any budget, Zara said you have to figure out where you’re spending your money. Write it all down.
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“Nappies, laundry powder, the lot. Every week you check out the specials and when something is 20 to 50 percent off, you buy enough of that item for four to six weeks,” she explained.
“So like Napisan was 50 percent off this week, I bought six months worth. You then just buy your normal groceries.”
But what if nothing is on special that week?
“You buy an extra one to two things that are never on special (like homebrand stuff) as your back-up and save the rest of your budget for next week when something new is on sale.”
The “two system”
The second part of Zara’s strategy involves the “two system”.
“There are always two of everything in my cupboard at least – one being used, one backup.
“Everything from sauces to tinned veg to pasta to oil. This way if you have a dodgy week and literally can’t afford something, it’s ok – you have your backup and can get a new backup next week.”
There are always two of everything in my cupboard at least – one being used, one backup.
Australian mum Zara
At first she said your weekly shop will be more expensive.
“Because you are buying so much of one thing and you still need to buy everything else you need.”
But eventually it evens out.
Zara’s strategy is particularly good for those with variable incomes, or for when money gets tight.
“If one week you have a shitty money week, you just stop with the stockpile for that week and you don’t need to buy much because you have your two system – all you need is the basics: bread, milk, fruit, veg and meat.
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“I have stockpiles of so much stuff – razors, pads toothpaste, shampoo, coffee, soft drink, nappies, wipes, toilet paper because of this method.”
Learn the special cycles
As you become more experienced, Zara said you’ll see patterns in the sales.
“Like razors are half price two to four times a year. So you always buy enough to get through three to six months. Whereas toilet paper is on special fortnightly, so don’t panic in that department.”
She said it’s saving her thousands every year.
“I would say my weekly shop would be $240 (£135.55/US$186.69) if I didn’t do this method, but it’s (£83.53/US$116.71) including my stockpiling budget.”
People loved her strategy and Zara’s method has now gone viral with thousands vowing to try her simple technique.
“Wow your system sounds awesome, I am excited to give it a try. Thank you for sharing it with us,” said one person.
“This is fantastic and couldn’t have come at a better time for me . Can’t thank you enough,” said a second person.
This story originally appeared on Kidspot and was shared with permission
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